EXTRANCHECK: PRE-LICENSE CHECK: STATE

UNCLAS MOSCOW 010434

SIPDIS

USDOC FOR 532/OEA/MHAMES/DMUSLU
USDOC FOR 3150/USFCS/OIO/CEENIS/MCOSTA
USDOC FOR 532/OEE/MO'BRIEN
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: BEXP ETRD ETTC RS
SUBJECT: EXTRANCHECK: PRE-LICENSE CHECK: STATE
RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF AVIATION, MOSCOW, RUSSIA,
LICENSE NO. D361241

REFTEL: USDOC 04242


1. Unauthorized disclosure of the information provided
below is prohibited by Section 12C of the Export
Administration Act.


2. Reftel requested a Pre-license check to determine
the legitimacy and reliability of the end-user, State
Research Institute of Aviation, Moscow, Russia. The
company is listed on BIS license application D361241
as the ultimate consignee of a thermal imager, model
thermal-eye 2000B. These items are controlled for
national security and nuclear non-proliferation
reasons under ECCN 6A003. The licensee is L3
Communications Infrared Products, 13532 North Central
Expressway, M/S, Dallas, Texas 75243.


3. On September 6, 2006 Export Control Attache Donald
Pearce and FSN Natalya Shipitsina conducted the
requested pre-license check at the offices of Russian
Federation State Research Center, State Research
Institute of Aviation Systems (Russian acronym
GosNIIAS),7 Victorenko st., Moscow, Russia. The
export control team met with Gennady Tsibulkin,
International Relations and German G. Sebryakov, Chief
of Department.


4. GosNIIAS was founded 65 years ago as the lead
institute for research and development of aviation and
air combat systems development. During Soviet times,
the Institute employed over 8000, and was primarily
concerned with military and government projects.
Currently GosNIIAS employs 2500, and conducts research
and development projects in the fields of civil
aviation, air traffic control, and information systems
in addition to air combat systems. GosNIIAS
participates in many international cooperative
research projects, including projects with U.S. firm
Rockwell-Collins/Hughes and the Federal Aviation
Administration.


5. The imager in reftel will be used in an automotive
anti-collision sensor system. The project, which is a
collaborative project between GosNIIAS and Toyota,
will utilize the imager to allow the system to work in
low to no visible light and in inclement weather.
Currently the system utilizes two CCD sensor based
cameras for daytime use. The addition of a small
thermal imaging device will allow for coverage when
light conditions prevent effective use of a CCD
camera. The system may also be adapted for aviation
use, specifically to assist pilots on takeoff and
landing to avoid collisions on runways, or in
helicopters to avoid power lines or other low-
visibility hazards.


6. Three to four specialists will have access to the
imager. The imager will be secured in a special high-
value equipment room with a safe. The facility has an
around-the-clock security regime with access limited
to authorized persons and escorted guests.


7. The company is familiar with export controls, as
many aviation related materials require licenses. All
military projects are strictly segregated from the
civil programs. The imager will only be used for the
stated program, as it is not suitable for other uses.

x. Recommendations: Post recommends State Research
Institute of Aviation, Moscow, Russia, as reliable
recipients of sensitive U.S. origin commodities. It is
requested that post be notified of the final
disposition of the application, and any shipments for
this organization in order to conduct appropriate FCS
follow-up and statistical reporting.
(FCS MOSCOW/SBOZEK/DPEARCE)
BURNS